Niles - James Richard "Jim" Gardner, Sr., 78, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 .

He was born on February 6th, 1945 to Jack and Amy Gardner of Warren, OH.

He was a record setting basketball player for Warren G. Harding, earning the title of Ohio's Mr. Basketball in his senior season of 1963. Jim was inducted into the Warren Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Hall of Fame at Charleston Southern University in both basketball and baseball.  He completed a 30+ year career with Delphi Packard as the head of the byproducts division.  James was member of Howland United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his sons Jimmy (Deanna) Gardner of Madison, MS, Ben (Carol) Gardner of Elizabethtown, KY, grandchildren Benjamin, Annelise, Emma, and Allison, and the love of life Gail Maurice of Warren, and a sister-in-law Patricia Gardner of Warren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack, and sister Ruth Grigsby.

Family and friends may pay their respects to James Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with an 11:00 am service with Pastor Matthew Darrin at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel 1884 North Rd. NE, Warren, Ohio 44483.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in James's name to Howland United Methodist Church 730 Howland Wilson Rd. Warren, Ohio 44484.